Teams, volunteers wanted for Special Olympics Plane Pull on Sept. 9

Special Olympics Minnesota is again offering the opportunity to participate in a plane pull at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport next month, as it raises money for its programs in the state.

Also, there are still opportunities for MAC employees to volunteer at the event.

The plane pull features teams of eight people working together to pull a Delta Air Lines jet 25 feet across the tarmac in the shortest amount of time.

Each team must raise a minimum of $1,000 in pledges. When you register, you'll create your own event web page where you can collect pledges online.

The event is being held on Saturday, Sept. 9 starting at 9 a.m. at a hangar located at 7109 Longfellow Ave., on the west side of the airfield along Cedar Avenue.

If you're interested in volunteering at the event, contact Kelly McKenzie, lieutenant, Airport Police Department, at kelly.mckenzie@mspmac.org by Sept. 5. Tasks would include set up and tear down of tables and chairs, game areas, spectator sections, as well as other various jobs. Volunteer service is needed between 7a.m. – 3 p.m. This is a volunteer opportunity only; work compensation will not be granted.

In recent years the event has drawn hundreds of people, including participants and spectators. Food trucks will be on site again this year and there are activities for kids too, including a miniature version of a plane built by Pat Joyce, a MAC carpenter, which can be pulled around the hangar.

The plane pull is hosted by the MAC, Delta Air Lines, HMS Host, and Endeavor Air and benefits programs that serve more than 8,200 Special Olympics Minnesota Athletes.